Security guard shot at Family Research Council in Washington, D.C.Christian Emergency Network (CEN) responds to this latest shooting

By Dan WoodingFounder of ASSIST Ministries

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS)-- A security guard was shot and wounded today (Wednesday, August 15, 2012) in the lobby of the Family Research Council headquarters in Washington, D.C., following a scuffle with a man that media reports said had expressed disagreement with the group’s views.

FBI on the scene of the shooting

According to the Washington Post, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier said the shooter walked into the lobby of the building at about 10:45 and was confronted by the security guard as if the guard were asking him where he was going.

“The man then took out a gun and opened fire on the guard, Lanier said. The guard and others wrestled the man to the ground, disarmed him and waited for police, she said. The guard was then taken to the hospital and is in stable condition, the chief said. FBI officials said the guard was shot in the arm,” said the Washington Post story.

“The security guard here is a hero, as far as I’m concerned,” Lanier said. “He did his job. The person never made it past the front.”

The story went on to say that shooter is in FBI custody and has not yet been charged, authorities said.

FRC LOGO

“Authorities did not identify the shooter or the security guard. They also would not say what kind of gun the shooter used or whether the security guard was armed. They still are uncertain of a motive, they said,” the Washington Post story added.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins made the following comments after an FRC security guard was shot this morning: "The police are investigating this incident. Our first concern is with our colleague who was shot today. Our concern is for him and his family."

Meanwhile, the Washington, D.C. CEN office has responded to the shooting.

In a message sent to the ASSIST News Service, it said, “Despite increasing media reports escalating the Family Research Council incident today in Washington, DC, CEN’s Security Officer issued an Incident report from firsthand accounts by Christians within the FRC building.

“The firsthand account indicates a shooter came into the lobby, where extensive security FRC facility protocols were in place, and shot a guard. Bomb sniffing dogs and the ATF entered the building and the FBI is conducting an investigation. The shooter is in custody and the situation is under control, however the media is not.”

CEN said that it has been in “close communication” with the Department of Homeland Security and requested DHS make a formal statement calling upon media to cease and desist from politically exploitive rhetoric currently escalating a security incident now being managed by local and federal law enforcement.

Mary Marr

“Inflammatory rhetoric in the media encourages ‘copycat’ inflammatory reactions,” says CEN President and Founder, Mary Marr who serves on the DHS Faith-based Security and Communications Committee at the request of Secretary Napolitano.

In an exclusive ASSIST News interview Marr stated: “There seems to be a trend in recent weeks where active shooters appear to be targeting faith-based organizations as we have witnessed incidents in Dearborn, MI, Joplin, MO, and recently in Milwaukee, WI.

“In addition to these incidents, some 5-10 Christian churches in the U.S. are burned each month according to a representative on the committee. Christian leaders and churches need to have their emergency operations plans in place, report suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement, and provide information to CEN to monitor the nationwide situation on risks to the Christian community. This information sharing will help the broader Christian community to be aware, ready and able to share the Gospel freely in these increasing uncertain times.”

Marr added: “Any attack on a house of worship is an attack on all houses of worship. CEN does not condone any violence. As Christians, the Scripture clearly reminds us we need to be ready to give an answer for the Hope within us responding to emergencies large and small.”

The Family Research Council who works with the National Institute on Marriage has cited “hate group” labeling has been a problem.

“Depicting ongoing investigations as ‘domestic terror’ for example by media, says Marr, when it is the responsibility of law enforcement is irresponsible reporting at best, it is inciting to further violence which should not be condoned. And, labeling any security situation according to one’s own political bias has the same affect it is meant to incite not to report.”

CEN, she added, will be monitoring this situation today and consulting with other faith-based leaders who serve alongside Marr on the DHS Faith-based Security and Communications Committee.

“CEN will be conducting an Incident briefing conference call for members of the CEN’s Threat Information Service later today,” Marr went on to say.

CEN urges Christian leaders have their security officer closely monitor the situation, receive CEN Threat Information updates for timely actionable information, and report suspicious activity. Marr said that if you desire to be anonymous please with any information for local or federal law enforcement feel free to contact CEN and we will assist with your report. For help in training an incident command in your church or citywide group including the security officer. www.christianemergencynetwork.org go to ReadyChurch and ReadyCity training.

1. First responders to be protected and wise in their investigation2. CEN to have discernment how to respond locally and nationally in the protection and support of the Christian community3. Survivor of the incident to come to a personal relationship with Jesus if he does not already have one, and for4. All Christian churches and organizations to review their Emergency Operations Plans in preparation for potential copycat incidents, if you do not have one in place, visit www.christianemergencynetwork.org ReadyChurch or ReadyCity to develop your plans.

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